The Language of Löyly: Finnish Sauna ABC for Travelers
Master the language of löyly—an ABC guide to Finnish sauna terms for travelers. Speak like a local and enhance your sauna experience.
Vasta or Vihta? The Fascinating Tradition of Finnish Sauna Whisks
Imagine yourself in a Finnish sauna. The heat of the steam caresses your skin, and in your hand is a fragrant bundle of birch twigs. But do you call it a “vasta” or a “vihta”? This small linguistic difference is not only part of a larger story about the richness of the Finnish language and […]
Finnish Sauna Etiquette for International Visitors
Learn the do’s and don’ts of Finnish sauna culture – this guide helps international visitors enjoy the sauna experience respectfully and with confidence.
Enjoy the Most Beautiful Ironworks Village in Finland in Peace – Fiskars, Founded in the 1600s, is a Stunning Autumn Destination in Raseborg
Advert: Visit Raseborg The parking area at Fiskars Ironworks is completely empty. I smile with delight as I see the text on the local bus passing by in the village: Ha en bra dag, ‘Have a good day’. Oh, yes. The ironworks, adorned in autumn colors and tranquility, feels in early October as if it […]
Experience the Autumn Colors and the Perfect Tranquility of Lapland: Sallivaara Hill, Lemmenjoki National Park
The trail selection in Lemmenjoki National Park mainly consists of quite long routes suitable for hikes. However, it is also possible to explore the park on shorter day trips. One of these somewhat shorter and easier trails is the Sallivaara Trail, which is still six kilometers each way – making it a total of 12 […]
March, March to the Bilberry Bushes! The Finnish Forest Now Calls Us to Its Sweet Natural Delights
Text and photos: Outi Johansson Did you know that Finnish forests produce hundreds of millions of kilograms of bilberries at their peak? Thanks to the Everyone’s rights, this superfood is accessible to everyone. Have you already ventured out to pick your share from the hidden shady mounds, rocky crevices, or the edges of bogs? The […]
Fagervik Ironworks in Inkoo is a Great Road Trip Destination
Finland boasts a few dozen official national landscapes, the most famous of which is probably Koli National Park. However, there are also other renowned places such as the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, the maritime Helsinki and Porvoo Old Town. Among these national landscapes are also lesser-known gems, and one such jewel is the picturesque, utterly charming […]
Experience an Authentic Piece of Finnish Rural History: Spend a Night in a Hay Barn
I’ve never felt more like a modern city dweller than when I found myself standing in the doorway of a small hay barn in Suomussalmi. The barn is filled with fragrant, clean hay, piled over a meter high even at the end of summer, and I have no idea what to do next. How do […]
A Gentle Foray into Finnish Wilderness Life: Nuuksio’s Tikankolo cabin is a Wonderful Glamping Destination and an introvert’s dream
On the shores of Saarilampi pond, on the western edge of Nuuksio National Park near Helsinki, stands a red and charming cabin, Tikankolo, in splendid solitude. It is, along with its sauna, the only cabin pair on the entire wilderness lake. My husband and I had booked the cabin for our use through Natura Viva, […]
Is this the most beautiful ski track in Savo? Lintharju esker, Suonenjoki
If one Finnish winter condition had to be elevated above the rest, it would be the clear, bright sunshine that makes the crystallized frost snow sparkle on the slopes. No matter how cold, such weather simply makes it impossible to stay indoors. One of Finland’s most spectacular skiing destinations, and possibly the country’s most beautiful […]
